Ask Alex: Steelers Mailbag – Steelers Depot

Welcome again to your weekly Pittsburgh Steelers mailbag. As at all times, we’re right here for the subsequent hour to reply no matter is in your thoughts.

To your questions!

mem359: 

For me, it doesn’t matter how good Rodgers appears now. His peak would be the similar as when he was youthful. I’ve issues how he’ll maintain as much as a 17 sport season (plus playoff video games). It doesn’t matter how sturdy his arm appears now; mid-season will probably be a greater indicator.

Reaching age 40 doesn’t imply getting weaker. We discovered that from Dara Torres within the 2008 Olympics, when she was a hundredth of a second from getting a gold medal in opposition to athletes half her age. What it does do is: he can’t give most effort as typically, the drop-off from his peak will probably be quicker and steeper, and it’ll take much more time to get better between efforts. If he doesn’t focus nearly solely on relaxation and restoration, he’ll look drained regularly.

Alex: That’s honest and I agree. Everybody appears good and wholesome now. Particularly quarterbacks who haven’t been hit since January. The way it appears late within the yr is what issues. The excellent news is Rodgers has been a sturdy quarterback all through his profession, 2023 Achilles tear apart. He performed beat up the primary half of final yr however didn’t miss time and was a lot more healthy down the stretch. Good to see somebody in his 40s who didn’t wither away.

I’m certain Rodgers will probably be given loads of break day and managed nicely in the course of the season. Tomlin’s had vet QBs like Ben earlier than whose mission was extra about preserving than profitable the summer time or apply. And Rodgers himself is a well being nut who in all probability does all he can to remain in form. It simply comes right down to how nicely the o-line can defend him. Not simply in go professional, which is clear sufficient, however within the run sport so Rodgers isn’t throwing the ball almost 600 occasions like final season.

Brian Tollini: This roster has went via some large modifications from final yr. With the Steelers needing to not solely have higher begins in video games, in addition they want to begin rapidly within the season when the schedule (on paper) is extra of their favor. With the quantity of change, I nearly anticipate there to be some rising pains early on, do you agree?

Alex: That’s cheap. A minimum of there’s a number of vets which will speed up that course of as a substitute of a brand new and younger group. However they gotta have the ability to get previous that or as a minimum, discover methods to win whereas going via these pains. Not simply from the “on paper” facet, I at all times discover that doubtful understanding how a lot can change, however in a aggressive AFC and AFC North, a robust begin is at all times essential. Even understanding it couldn’t save them final yr. Begin sturdy and don’t have a four-game historic collapse and that’s a recipe to hold round in January.

CoSteel: I’ve seen the reviews that they could go 04 personnel typically. Are you able to clarify the profit to this, if any? Would it not be 4TE with a WR or a RB? Appears just a little iffy.

Alex: It may very well be each. 14 personnel with a again and 4 tight ends or 04 with a receiver, doubtless DK Metcalf. It received’t be used lots however I just like the stress it places on defenses. Do they got here out with their run-stopping personnel in opposition to such a heavy package deal? In that case, the offense can unfold the sector and throw with its athletic receivers. If defenses convey out extra sub-package folks to cease the go, condense the formation and pound the rock. Even in 04 with no true working again, Jonnu Smith has a handful of NFL carries and messed round with it throughout one apply. So there’s at all times a working menace.

I like the thought lots. And 13 personnel, which will probably be used way more typically, can nonetheless supply the same benefit.

Scorpio: Do you assume that there’s a WR on the market within the NFL world that AR might have a desire to including to his steady?

Alex: Oh I’m certain if you happen to requested him or gave him the entrance workplace keys. However I don’t assume the staff will do exactly what he says. This received’t be Jets 2.0. Rodgers is taking part in extra by the Steelers guidelines than his earlier stops.

SteelCurtin570: 

With the depth and flexibility in all three ranges of the protection do you assume we’ll see important modifications, experimentation with alignments and assignments, extra rotation to maintain starters recent for the lengthy haul this yr?

And a twofer- over/below on Washington receiving yards and TDs this yr? Will they really let him play TE??

Alex: Extra rotation, I’m unsure. Not for the sake of it. Extra specialization is widespread in Pittsburgh and across the NFL which creates pure rotation. However it’s extra about conserving forward of the chess match quite than conserving guys recent. I believe you’ll see new wrinkles. Extra blitzes, extra aggressiveness, extra pre-snap chaos than final yr. Which at occasions felt too static.

I’ll have a stat prediction put up earlier than the season opens up. Unsure on Washington. Numbers nonetheless received’t be overwhelming however I certain hope higher than final season.